Chelsea have started looking for Cesc Fabregas' replacement as AC Milan's bid to sign the midfielder next months picks up pace — and may swoop on his former club Barcelona.

Manager Maurizio Sarri does not want the 31-year-old to go, but Fabregas wants more football than he is getting and, with his contract entering its final few months, he will consider offers next month.

Sarri has spelled it out to the Stamford Bridge top brass that he does not want the Spain international to go until a direct replacement has been sorted out as he is his only true cover for Jorginho.

However, the former Arsenal captain has made only four Premier League appearances all season, starting only in the recent defeat away to Wolves.

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Chelsea value Fabregas, whose contract situation means he is free to talk to overseas clubs from New Year's Day, at around £11m.

Milan, who also have Blues midfielder Tiemoue Bakayoko on a season-long loan they hope to make permanent in the summer, don't want to pay that much — especially as they are about to spend £31m on Flamengo star Lucas Paqueta.